Washington, D.C. - National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony released this statement following the markup of the MAP-21 Reauthorization Act introduced by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), David Vitter (R-LA), Tom Carper (D-DE) and John Barrasso (R-WY) earlier this week:

"Today's Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee markup of the bipartisan MAP-21 Reauthorization Act signals much-needed progress toward the reauthorization of the nation's federal transportation plan. With the looming insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund, we are glad to see the Senate consider a long-term transportation plan that would create jobs and promote economic development. We thank Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Vitter for their leadership and dedication to addressing the nation's infrastructure challenges and look forward to working with the EPW Committee to make sure that any bill will meet local infrastructure needs.

"It is critically important that any transportation plan protect and enhance local control and decision-making when it comes to deciding which infrastructure projects are best for individual communities. As we've seen in cities across the nation, infrastructure investment correlates directly to job growth and economic development and provides all residents access to quality education, healthcare and good jobs. Cities call on the Administration and Congress to pass a long-term, financially-solvent transportation plan swiftly to build a better future for the country."

The markup was held during Infrastructure Week (May 12-16, 2014), which features events across the country that explore emerging solutions, innovative approaches and best practices that are being developed to modernize aging infrastructure. Today, NLC, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the U.S. Travel Association will hold a Capitol Hill Event, "The Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment: Stories from Around the Country." For more information, see the event webpage.

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The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. www.nlc.org